Analyzing Your Numbers: When Is It Diabetes?

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Know the Numbers

According to the American Diabetes Association's Standards of Medical Care, these numbers should be used to diagnose pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The ADA suggests everyone over age 45 be checked every three years -- especially if your body mass index (BMI) is over 25. People with a family history of diabetes should be tested at a younger age and more frequently.

Normal
Fasting glucose level: Less than 100 mg/dl
Two hours after eating: Less than 140 mg/dl

Pre-Diabetes
Fasting glucose level: Equal to or greater than 100 mg/dl and less than 126 mg/dl
Two hours after eating: Equal to or greater than 140 mg/dl and less than 200 mg/dl

Type 2 Diabetes
Fasting glucose level: Equal to or greater than 126 mg/dl. A second test is required for confirmation.
Two hours after eating: Equal to or greater than 200 mg/dl. A second test is required for confirmation.